EssentialTask Adware on Mac
What is EssentialTask? It is an adware program that could alter system settings and start redirecting browsers to sites with a questionable reputation or custom search engines. It could also serve many different advertisements. While running on your Mac, the adware will keep trying to force you to use its services. As a result, you may find yourself visiting unfamiliar pages that generate lots of pop-ups and sponsored content. They all may be triggered by the adware. The program may also be configured to change the start page, new tab, and search settings for the installed browser applications on your Mac.
Discover how to locate and remove any files installed by EssentialTask adware. A sufficient removal will help you to keep your system, data and privacy secured.
EssentialTask Summary
| Name | EssentialTask also known as Adware.MacOS.EssentialTask |
| Type | Adware, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browser applications installed on the macOS could get affected. The adware can redirect browsing sessions to dangerous sites and display lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings may be altered, including those of the homepage, search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did EssentialTask Install on macOS?
The EssentialTask Mac adware could be distributed via a few methods. Well-known techniques for the spread of potentially unwanted programs are third-party installers, fake software updates, and malicious ads. Various shady download sites may host the activation files of this PUP for Mac.
Still, the installer setups of different supposedly useful programs may hide the presence of the unwanted software and install it by default. In such an event you won’t understand that the unwanted app is started on your Mac until you see it added to your Applications list. You might have installed a media player or a sort of free software and got your browser settings modified by the adware unnoticeably.
You can prevent unnoticed installs of undesired apps like EssentialTask by visiting the Advanced/Custom software setup option. Featured extra apps may be listed there and you may be given the chance to deselect them before you proceed with the installation of the primary app.
How Does EssentialTask Impact macOS?
Once installed on a Mac, the EssentialTask adware becomes able to generate legitimate-like pop-up notifications trying to obtain permission to alter certain settings. It is a type of app that is created to monetize its presence on machines it affects. So one way or another, it will alter settings in an attempt to obtain access to installed web browsers. The moment it succeeds, it will start displaying various types of ads on all sites you visit.
Mac users whose systems got infected with the EssentialTask adware may also become victims of additional persistent infections like:
EssentialTask adware can also redirect browsing sessions to bogus sites that promote other Mac viruses. The app can put browser cookies on your Mac system as well. The purpose is to keep track of your online activities. So, be wary of the information you provide on sites you visit until you deinstall EssentialTask adware and clean the macOS from any harmful files.
Delete EssentialTask from Mac
Removing EssentialTask or any unwanted software from your Mac device requires you to use a specific anti-malware for Mac machines. One such program will scan your machine and uninstall or terminate the files with malicious behavior. It will then enable you to clean up any malicious code found in the repositories. In addition, an anti-malware program will provide better protection for your Mac. So you can enjoy a healthy performance in the future by installing it.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove EssentialTask files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as EssentialTask, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall EssentialTask and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to EssentialTask:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to EssentialTask. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to EssentialTask. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove EssentialTask via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as EssentialTask. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove EssentialTask – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
EssentialTask-FAQ
What is EssentialTask on your Mac?
The EssentialTask threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like EssentialTask?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from EssentialTask?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the EssentialTask Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this EssentialTask how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on EssentialTask?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the EssentialTask threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.